Coaxial cable terminator assemblies and methods

ABSTRACT

A coaxial cable terminator assembly includes an electrically insulative substrate carried by a non-conductive cap in a receiving area thereof. The substrate carries outer and inner termination connections and an electrically resistive connector that electrically connects the outer termination connection to the inner termination connection. Outer and inner contacts are electrically connected to the outer and inner termination connections, respectively. The outer and inner contacts are for electrically contacting coaxial outer and inner conductors, respectively, of the end of a coaxial cable for terminating the end of the coaxial cable, and the cap is for frictionally and non-conductively engaging the coaxial cable, when the end of the coaxial cable is inserted into the receiving area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/157,201, filed May 5, 2015, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for terminatingcoaxial cables, including feed lines and transmission lines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the telecommunications field it is standard practice to test cables.Common forms of testing include continuity, return loss (RL), timedomain reflectometry (TDR), and distance-to-fault (DTF). The testingequipment is connected to only one end of the cable for many of thesetests. For RL, TDR, and DTF testing, all of the energy in the testsignal is reflected back to the test instrument, in the absence of asuitable termination on the opposite end of the cable. Moreover, cablediscontinuities can cause multiple reflections to occur, which can causethe measurement data to be imprecise or harder to interpret in thepresence of noise produced by the reflections. Accordingly, the oppositeend of the cable must be terminated, with the characteristic or apreselected cable impedance, for the testing to be accurate andconsistent. The termination should sufficiently absorb the energy of thetest signal to provide accurate and precise measurements. The cabletermination typically should provide a return loss of 20 decibels orbetter.

Current practice requires the installation of connectors on the cable tobe tested and a separate termination device attached to one of theconnectors. These connectors are expensive and time-consuming toinstall. As a result, cables are often not tested untilinstalled/connectorized, or until the connectors are temporarilyinstalled. Temporary installation of connectors is time consuming,especially because they are removed after testing. There are alsosituations in which the far end of the cable is not accessible, such aswhen wound on a spool, requiring the cable to be unspooled to access thefar end of the cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the principle of the invention, a coaxial cable terminatorassembly includes a cap, a substrate, outer and inner terminationconnections, and outer and inner contacts. The cap is non-conductive anddefines a receiving area adapted to receive an end of a coaxial cable.The substrate is electrically insulative, is carried by the cap in thereceiving area, and has the outer and inner termination connections andthe electrically resistive connector. The electrically resistiveconnector electrically connects the outer termination connection to theinner termination connection. The outer and inner contacts electricallyare connected to the outer and inner termination connections,respectively. The outer and inner contacts are for electricallycontacting coaxial outer and inner conductors, respectively, of the endof the coaxial cable for terminating the end of the coaxial cable, andthe cap is for frictionally and non-conductively engaging the coaxialcable, when the end of the coaxial cable is inserted into the receivingarea. A pocket is formed in the cap, and the substrate is applied to thepocket. In one embodiment, the electrically resistive connector is anelectrically resistive film, the substrate includes an outer surfacefacing the receiving area, and the outer and inner terminationconnections and the electrically resistive film are applied to the outersurface of the substrate. In another embodiment, the electricallyresistive connector is a printed circuit. The outer and innertermination connections are coaxial. The outer and inner contacts arecoaxial.

According to the principle of the invention, a coaxial cable terminatorassembly includes a cap, a substrate, outer and inner terminationconnections, and outer and inner contacts. The cap is non-conductive andincludes a continuous sidewall having an outer surface, an innersurface, an upper end, a lower end, and a bottom affixed to the lowerend, the bottom cooperates with the inner surface of the continuoussidewall to form a receiving area in the cap, the upper end encircles anopening to the receiving area, and the receiving area is adapted toreceive an end of a coaxial cable inserted into the receiving areathrough the opening. The substrate is electrically insulative, iscarried by the bottom of the cap in the receiving area, and has outerand inner termination connections and an electrically resistiveconnector. The electrically resistive connector electrically connectsthe outer termination connection to the inner termination connection.The outer and inner contacts are electrically connected to the outer andinner termination connections, respectively. The outer and innercontacts are for electrically contacting coaxial outer and innerconductors, respectively, of the end of the coaxial cable forterminating the end of the coaxial cable, and the inner surface of thecap is for frictionally and non-conductively engaging the coaxial cable,when the end of the coaxial cable is inserted into the receiving areathrough the opening. A pocket is formed in the bottom of the cap, andthe substrate is applied to the pocket. In one embodiment, theelectrically resistive connector is an electrically resistive film, thesubstrate includes an outer surface facing the receiving area and aperimeter edge proximate to the inner surface of the continuoussidewall, the outer termination connection is applied to the outersurface of the substrate proximate to the perimeter edge, the innertermination connection is applied centrally to the outer surface of thesubstrate, and the electrically resistive film is applied to the outersurface of the substrate between the outer termination connection andthe inner termination connection. In another embodiment, theelectrically resistive connector is a printed circuit. The outer andinner termination connections are coaxial. The outer and inner contactsare coaxial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a coaxial cable terminatorassembly constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 shown assembled;

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4-7 are section views corresponding to FIG. 3 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator assembly of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a coaxialcable terminator assembly constructed and arranged in accordance withthe principle of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a termination assembly of theterminator assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partially schematic top plan view of the embodiment of FIG.8 shown assembled;

FIG. 12 is a section view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13-16 are section views corresponding to FIG. 12 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator assembly of FIGS. 8 and 12;

FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of a further embodiment of acoaxial cable terminator assembly constructed and arranged in accordancewith the principle of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a section view the embodiment of FIG. 17 as it would appearassembled;

FIGS. 19-22 are section views corresponding to FIG. 18 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator assembly of FIGS. 17 and 18;

FIG. 23 is an exploded isometric view of still another embodiment of acoaxial cable terminator assembly constructed and arranged in accordancewith the principle of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a section view the embodiment of FIG. 23 as it would appearassembled;

FIGS. 25-28 are section views corresponding to FIG. 24 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator assembly of FIGS. 23 and 24;

FIG. 29 is an exploded isometric view of yet another embodiment of acoaxial cable terminator assembly constructed and arranged in accordancewith the principle of the invention;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 29 shown assembled;

FIG. 31 is a section view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30;

FIGS. 32-35 are section views corresponding to FIG. 31 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator assembly of FIGS. 29-31;

FIG. 36 is an exploded isometric view of yet still a further embodimentof a coaxial cable terminator assembly constructed and arranged inaccordance with the principle of the invention;

FIG. 37 is a section view the embodiment of FIG. 36 as it would appearassembled;

FIGS. 38-41 are section views corresponding to FIG. 37 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator assembly of FIGS. 36 and 37;

FIG. 42 is an exploded isometric view of still another embodiment of acoaxial cable terminator assembly constructed and arranged in accordancewith the principle of the invention;

FIG. 43 is a section view the embodiment of FIG. 42 as it would appearassembled; and

FIGS. 44-47 are section views corresponding to FIG. 43 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator assembly of FIGS. 42 and 43.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides illustrative embodiments of terminators orterminator assemblies each useful for terminating the ends of coaxialcables at their characteristic impedances to prevent a test signal, suchas a radio frequency signal, from being reflected back from theterminated cable end, causing interference preventing accurate andconsistent testing, and methods of terminating coaxial cables at theircharacteristic impedances. The terminators and termination methodsquickly and simply provide cable termination for cable testing purposesand protection of the cable end, all without requiring the installationof a connector or soldering of components to the cable, while providingthe performance characteristics required for complete testing. Theterminators include a sleeve, shell, or cap that fits over the end ofthe cable, and a termination assembly or device carried by the cap thatelectrically connects to the cable inner and outer conductors. Thetermination assembly or device provides a termination that correspondsto the characteristic impedance of the cable. The termination assemblyor device can have any selected impedance characteristic.

The various terminator embodiments of the invention include a sleeve,shell, or cap that fits frictionally over a cable end. The cap caninclude a compressible area for crimping or staking onto the cable forretention of the cap to the cable. The cap is a mechanical support forthe other terminator elements of the terminator, and the cap protectsthe other terminator elements and the cable end when installed thereon.The cap of the terminator has a termination assembly or device thatelectrically connects the inner and outer coaxial conductors of thecable for providing continuity to the termination assembly and cable endtermination. The termination assembly is broadband in nature, requiringsmall inductive or capacitive reactance (i.e. being largely resistive innature). Each of the various terminators disclosed herein simply slipover a coaxial cable and provides a termination and protection to thecable in response.

The terminators and associated cable termination methods disclosedherein are useful by cable manufacturers, distributors, and the likethat spool lengths of cable onto reels after first terminating the endof the cable to be buried inside the spool. The buried cable end isgenerally inaccessible once the cable is spooled. However, byterminating the cable end according to the invention, testing of thecable can be performed at all downstream points in the supply chain.Testing can be performed by the end user upon delivery and acceptance.An installer or end user can test the cable prior to, during, and afterinstallation of the cable.

A temporary termination may be needed when troubleshooting an installedcable. A common problem area is the connectors that are installed on thecable. To determine if a connector or the cable is faulty, a connectorcan be removed from one end of the cable and such end terminatedtemporarily according to the invention. Testing can now isolate what iscausing the failure.

Those having regard for the art will readily appreciate that the variousembodiments of the invention disclosed in detail below conveniently andinexpensively provide for temporary coaxial cable termination forfacilitating cable testing. Performance characteristics of theterminators disclosed below are chosen to correspond to thecharacteristic impedance of the coaxial cable to be tested to allow fordetailed testing and analysis with more sophisticated techniques, suchas TDR or DTF.

The various illustrative embodiments of the invention will now bediscussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-47, in which like referencecharacters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views.

A.

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a coaxial cable terminator 50constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of theinvention, FIG. 2 is a top plan showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 as itwould appear assembled, and FIG. 3 is a section view taken along line3-3 of FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 in relevant part, terminator 50 isan assembly and includes a cap 51, termination device or assembly 70,inner contact 80, and outer contact 81. Cap 51, formed of plastic,ceramic, or other non-conductive material or combination of materials,includes continuous sidewall 52 having outer surface 53, inner surface54, upper end 55, lower end 56, and a bottom 57 affixed to lower end 56.In FIG. 3, inner surface 57A of bottom 57 cooperates with inner surface54 of continuous sidewall 52 to form receiving area 58 in cap 51. Upperend 55 encircles opening 59 to receiving area 58. Cap 51 is formedintegrally, is cylindrical in this example, and is symmetrical about itscentral axis.

Termination assembly 70 includes substrate 71. Substrate 71, which isflat, circular, and disk-shaped in this example, is fashioned of athermoplastic, polyester, ceramic, or other electrically insulativematerial or combination of materials. Substrate 71 has lower surface 72,upper surface 73, and perimeter edge 74. An electrically resistive film75 is applied to upper surface 73. An outer connection 76, an outertermination connection, is applied to upper surface 73 proximate toperimeter edge 74. An inner connection 77, an inner terminationconnection, is applied to upper surface 73 at the center of substrate71. Film 75 is a composition of carbon and/or metal in a binder or resinin the presence of a solvent that is applied, such as via printing orspraying, onto upper surface 73 of substrate 71 between outer connection76 and inner connection 77. Film 75 encounters and concurrentlyelectrical connects outer and inner connections 76 and 77. Film 75 has apreselected resistivity, an intrinsic property of film, and providesspecific impedances as needed for the intended application. Common cableimpedances are 50 and 70 Ohms. To maintain a 20 decibel return loss orbetter, film 75 has a low resistivity that not only enables it toinherently readily allow the flow of electric current, but that alsocorresponds to the cable for which it is intended to be used, preferablyan impedance of within 10% of the impedance of the cable. Connections 76and 77 are each different from film 75. Connections 76 and 77 are each aconductive coating or film, such as a conductive ink in a particularembodiment. Connections 76 and 77 are applied to upper surface 73. Film75 electrically connects connection 76 to connection 77. Connections 76and 77 are low resistance connections and provide a low resistanceconnection to the outer and inner contacts 81 and 80, respectively. Asused throughout this disclosure, the terms “low resistance” or “lowresistivity” each means a measurement at or below 1.000 ohm.

Inner and outer contacts 80 and 81 each have a low resistance and do notprovide a resistive part of the termination assembly. Inner and outercontacts 80 and 81 are annular contacts each formed of metal, metallicbraid, a compliant electro-magnetic interference gasket material,conductive elastomer material that is inherently compliant, conductivethermoplastic, a compliant contact in the nature of an electricallyconductive mesh applied about foam or other deformable material orcombination of materials, or other electrically conductive and lowresistive material or combination of materials. Inner and outer contacts80 and 81 are preferably compliant to promote electrical contact toinner and outer conductors to be tested. Inner contact 80 is applied toand atop inner connection 77, and outer contact 81 is applied to andatop outer connection 76. Inner contact 80 electrically contacts innerconnection 77. Outer contact 81 electrically contacts outer connection76. Film 75 electrically connects inner connection 77 to outerconnection 76 thereby electrically connecting inner contact 80 to outercontact 81 for electrically connecting an outer conductor of a cableelectrically connected to outer contact 81 to an inner conductor of acable electrically connected to inner conductor 80. Inner and outercontacts 80 and 81 extend outwardly from film 75 and from upper surface73 of substrate 71. Inner and outer contacts 80 and 81 are coaxial andare arranged about the geometric center of substrate 71. Outer contact81, which is located proximate to perimeter edge 74 of substrate 71 andthat relates to the outer conductor of a coaxial cable end to beterminated, encircles inner contact 80 that relates to the innerconductor of a coaxial cable end to be terminated.

Termination assembly 70 is positioned in receiving area 58 and isinstalled onto inner surface 57A of bottom 57 in this example. Lowersurface 72 of substrate 71 is positioned against inner surface 57A ofbottom 57. Lower surface 72 of substrate 71 is affixed to inner surface57A of bottom 57, such as with a non-conductive adhesive. A friction fitcan be used instead in an alternate embodiment. Substrate 71 coversinner surface 57A of bottom 57, outer contact 81 runs along innersurface 54 of continuous sidewall 52 and encircles inner contact 80, andinner and outer contacts 80 and 81 are arranged about the geometriccenter of cap 51.

FIGS. 4-7 are section views corresponding to FIG. 3 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator 50. In FIG. 4, cable 90, a generalcoaxial cable, includes outer jacket 91, outer conductor 92, dielectric93, and inner conductor 94. Outer conductor 92 is a woven braid, awrapped conductive film, or a smooth-walled metallic tube, such as ofaluminum or copper. Inner conductor 94 is either a stranded conductor ora solid conductor. End 95 of cable 90 is stripped of outer jacket 91,exposing outer conductor 92. End 95 is inserted into receiving area 58through opening 59 in cap 51 of terminator 50. Terminator 50 is pressedonto and over end 95. Concurrently, inner surface 54 frictionallyengages outer conductor 92 of cable 90 end 95, outer conductor 92 ofcable 90 end 95 electrically contacts outer contact 81, and innerconductor 94 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contacts inner contact 80.Because termination assembly 70 through film 75 electrically andresistively connects inner contact 80 to outer contact 81, theconcurrent electrical contact of outer conductor 92 to outer contact 81and inner conductor 94 to inner contact 80 electrically and resistivelyconnects outer conductor 92 to inner conductor 94, terminating cable 90end 95.

In FIG. 5, cable 100, a coaxial cable useful in a fixed installation,not subject to constant flexing, includes outer jacket 101, outerconductor 102, dielectric 103, and inner conductor 104. In this example,outer conductor 102 is a corrugated metallic tube, such as of copper oraluminum, and inner conductor 104 is a solid metallic conductor, copperplated aluminum in this example. End 105 of cable 100 is stripped ofouter jacket 101, exposing outer conductor 102. End 105 is inserted intoreceiving area 58 through opening 59 in cap 51 of terminator 50.Terminator 50 is pressed onto and over end 105. Concurrently, innersurface 54 frictionally engages outer conductor 102 of cable 100 end105, outer conductor 102 of cable 100 end 105 electrically contactsouter contact 81, and inner conductor 104 of cable 100 end 105electrically contacts inner contact 80. Because termination assembly 70through film 75 electrically and resistively connects inner contact 80to outer contact 81, the concurrent electrical contact of outerconductor 102 to outer contact 81 and inner conductor 104 to innercontact 80 electrically and resistively connects outer conductor 102 toinner conductor 104, terminating cable 100 end 105.

In FIG. 6, cable 110, a coaxial cable useful in a fixed installation,not subject to constant flexing, includes outer jacket 111, outerconductor 112, dielectric 113, and inner conductor 114. Outer conductor112 can be a woven braid, a wrapped conductive film, or a smooth-walledmetallic tube, such as of copper or aluminum. Inner conductor 114 is ahollow metallic tube, such as of copper or aluminum. End 115 of cable110 is stripped of outer jacket 111, exposing outer conductor 112. End115 is inserted into receiving area 58 through opening 59 in cap 51 ofterminator 50. Terminator 50 is pressed onto and over end 115.Concurrently, inner surface 54 frictionally engages outer conductor 112of cable 110 end 115, outer conductor 112 of cable 110 end 115electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 114 of cable110 end 115 encircles and electrically contacts inner contact 80.Because film 75 electrically and resistively connects inner contact 80to outer contact 81, the concurrent electrical contact of outerconductor 112 to outer contact 81 and inner conductor 114 to innercontact 80 electrically and resistively connects outer conductor 112 toinner conductor 114, terminating cable 110 end 115.

In FIG. 7, cable 120, a coaxial cable useful in a fixed installation,not subject to constant flexing, includes outer jacket 121, outerconductor 112, dielectric 123, and inner conductor 124. In this example,outer conductor 122 is a corrugated metallic tube, such as of aluminumor copper. Inner conductor 124 is a hollow metallic tube, copper oraluminum in this example. End 125 of cable 120 is stripped of outerjacket 121, exposing outer conductor 122. End 125 is inserted intoreceiving area 58 through opening 59 in cap 51 of terminator 50.Terminator 50 is pressed onto and over end 125. Concurrently, innersurface 54 frictionally engages outer conductor 122 of cable 120 end125, outer conductor 122 of cable 120 end 125 electrically contactsouter contact 81, and inner conductor 124 of cable 120 end 125 encirclesand electrically contacts inner contact 80. Because film 75 electricallyand resistively connects inner contact 80 to outer contact 81, theconcurrent electrical contact of outer conductor 122 to outer contact 81and inner conductor 124 to inner contact 80 electrically and resistivelyconnects outer conductor 122 to inner conductor 124, terminating cable120 end 125.

B.

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a coaxialcable terminator 130 constructed and arranged in accordance with theprinciple of the invention, FIG. 11 is a partially schematic top planview showing the embodiment of FIG. 8 as it would appear assembled, andFIG. 12 is a section view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11. Referringto FIGS. 8, 11, and 12 in relevant part, terminator 130 is an assemblyand includes a cap 131, termination device or assembly 150, innerconductor 80, and outer conductor 81. Cap 131, formed of plastic,ceramic, or other non-conductive material or combination of materials,includes continuous sidewall 132 having outer surface 133, inner surface134, upper end 135, lower end 136, and a bottom 137 affixed to lower end136. In FIG. 12, inner surface 137A of bottom 137 cooperates with innersurface 134 of continuous sidewall 132 to form receiving area 138 in cap131. Upper end 135 encircles opening 139 to receiving area 138. Recess140 in inner surface 137A of bottom 137 is for accommodating resistorsof termination assembly 150. Cap 131 is formed integrally, iscylindrical in this example, and is symmetrical about its central axis.

Termination assembly 150 includes a printed circuit board (PCB), whichis electrically connected to inner contact 80 and outer contact 81.Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 in relevant part, termination assembly 150includes substrate 151 that carries a printed circuit 155. Substrate 151is flat, circular, and disk-shaped in this example, is fashioned of anelectrically insulative material or combination of materials, such asBoPET (Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate), a polyester filmmade from stretched polyethylene terephthalate, which is inherentlystrong, chemical and dimensional stability, transparency, reflectivity,gas and aroma barrier properties, and electrical insulation. Substrate151 has lower surface 152, upper surface 153, and perimeter edge 154.Printed circuit 155 includes outer connection 156, inner connection 157,and resistors 158. Outer connection 156, an outer terminationconnection, is applied to upper surface 153 proximate to perimeter edge154. Inner connection 157, an inner termination connection, is appliedto upper surface 153 at the center of substrate 151. Resistors 158 areapplied to lower surface 152 and are electrically connected to innerconnector 157 via conductive traces. There are four resistors 158 inthis example, and less or more can be used in any series or parallelconnected configuration to provide selected impedances as needed for theintended application. Resistors 158 are leaded through-hole componentsor surface mount device or “chip” resistors. Outer and inner connections156 and 157 are conductive traces of the printed circuit 155 thatprovide a low resistance electrical connection to outer and innercontacts 81 and 80, respectively.

Inner contact 80 is applied to and atop inner connection 157, and outercontact 81 is applied to and atop outer connection 156. Inner contact 80electrically contacts inner connection 157, and outer contact 81electrically contacts outer connection 156. Printed circuit 155electrically connects inner connection 157 to outer connection 156through resistors 158 thereby electrically connecting inner contact 80to outer contact 81. Inner and outer contacts 80 and 81 extend outwardlyfrom upper surface 153 of substrate 151. Inner and outer contacts 80 and81 are coaxial and are arranged about the geometric center of substrate151. Outer contact 81, which is located proximate to perimeter edge 154of substrate 151 and that relates to the outer conductor of a coaxialcable end to be terminated, encircles inner contact 80 that relates tothe inner conductor of a coaxial cable end to be terminated.

Termination assembly 150 is positioned in receiving area 138 and isinstalled onto inner surface 137A of bottom 137. Lower surface 152 ofSUBSTRATE 151 is positioned against inner surface 137A of bottom 137,and resistors 158 are located in recess 140. Lower surface 152 ofSUBSTRATE 151 is affixed to inner surface 137A of bottom 137, such aswith a non-conductive adhesive. A friction fit can be used in analternate embodiment. SUBSTRATE 151 covers inner surface 137A of bottom137, outer contact 81 runs along inner surface 134 of continuoussidewall 132 and encircles inner contact 80, and inner and outercontacts 80 and 81 are arranged about the geometric center of cap 131.

FIGS. 13-16 are section views corresponding to FIG. 12 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator 130. In FIG. 13, cable 90 includes outerjacket 91, outer conductor 92, dielectric 93, and inner conductor 94.End 95 of cable 90 is stripped of outer jacket 91, exposing outerconductor 92. End 95 is inserted into receiving area 138 through opening139 in cap 131. Cap 131 is pressed onto and over end 95. Concurrently,inner surface 134 frictionally engages outer conductor 92 of cable 90end 95, outer conductor 92 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contactsouter contact 81, and inner conductor 94 of cable 90 end 95 electricallycontacts inner contact 80. Because printed circuit 155 electrically andresistively connects inner contact 80 to outer contact 81 via resistors158, the concurrent electrical contact of outer conductor 92 to outercontact 81 and inner conductor 94 to inner contact 80 electrically andresistively connects outer conductor 92 to inner conductor 94,terminating cable 90 end 95 with termination assembly 150.

In FIG. 14, cable 100 includes outer jacket 101, outer conductor 102,dielectric 103, and inner conductor 104. End 105 of cable 100 isstripped of outer jacket 101, exposing outer conductor 102. End 105 isinserted into receiving area 138 through opening 139 in cap 131. Cap 131is pressed onto and over end 105. Concurrently, inner surface 134frictionally engages outer conductor 102 of cable 100 end 105, outerconductor 102 of cable 100 end 105 electrically contacts outer contact81, and inner conductor 104 of cable 100 end 105 electrically contactsinner contact 80. Because printed circuit 155 electrically andresistively connects inner contact 80 to outer contact 81 via resistors158, the concurrent electrical contact of outer conductor 102 to outercontact 81 and inner conductor 104 to inner contact 80 electrically andresistively connects outer conductor 102 to inner conductor 104,terminating cable 100 end 105 with termination assembly 150.

In FIG. 15, cable 110 includes outer jacket 111, outer conductor 112,dielectric 113, and inner conductor 114. End 115 of cable 110 isstripped of outer jacket 111, exposing outer conductor 112. End 115 isinserted into receiving area 138 through opening 139 in cap 131. Cap 131is pressed onto and over end 115. Concurrently, inner surface 134frictionally engages outer conductor 112 of cable 110 end 115, outerconductor 112 of cable 110 end 115 electrically contacts outer contact81, and inner conductor 114 of cable 110 end 115 encircles andelectrically contacts inner contact 80. Because printed circuit 155electrically and resistively connects inner contact 80 to outer contact81 via resistors 158, the concurrent electrical contact of outerconductor 112 to outer contact 81 and inner conductor 114 to innercontact 80 electrically and resistively connects outer conductor 112 toinner conductor 114, terminating cable 110 end 115 with terminationassembly 150.

In FIG. 16, cable 120 includes outer jacket 121, outer conductor 122,dielectric 123, and inner conductor 124. End 125 of cable 120 isstripped of outer jacket 121, exposing outer conductor 122. End 125 isinserted into receiving area 138 through opening 139 in cap 131. Cap 131is pressed onto and over end 125. Concurrently, inner surface 134frictionally engages outer conductor 122 of cable 120 end 125, outerconductor 122 of cable 120 end 125 electrically contacts outer contact81, and inner conductor 124 of cable 120 end 125 encircles andelectrically contacts inner contact 80. Because printed circuit 155electrically and resistively connects inner contact 80 to outer contact81 via resistors 158, the concurrent electrical contact of outerconductor 122 to outer contact 81 and inner conductor 124 to innercontact 80 electrically and resistively connects outer conductor 122 toinner conductor 124, terminating cable 120 end 125 with terminationassembly 150.

C.

FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of a further embodiment of acoaxial cable terminator 170 constructed and arranged in accordance withthe principle of the invention, and FIG. 18 is a section view of theembodiment of FIG. 17 shown as it would appear assembled. Referring toFIGS. 17 and 18 in relevant part, terminator 170 is an assembly andincludes cap 171, termination assembly 70, inner contact 80, and outercontact 81. Cap 171, formed of plastic, ceramic, or other non-conductivematerial or combination of materials, includes continuous sidewall 172having outer surface 173, inner surface 174, upper end 175, lower end176, and a bottom 177 affixed to lower end 176. In FIG. 18, innersurface 177A of bottom 177 cooperates with inner surface 174 ofcontinuous sidewall 172 to form receiving area 178 in cap 171. Upper end175 encircles opening 179 to receiving area 178. Counter bore 182 isformed in inner surface 174 at upper end 175. In FIG. 18, recess 184 ininner surface 177A of bottom 177 is for accommodating resistors of a PCBtermination assembly, such as termination assembly 150 discussed above.Termination assembly 70 is positioned in receiving area 178 and isinstalled onto inner surface 177A of bottom 177 as discussed above interminator 50. Cap 171 is formed integrally, is cylindrical in thisexample, and is symmetrical about its central axis.

FIGS. 19-22 are section views corresponding to FIG. 18 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator 170. In FIG. 19, cable 90 includes outerjacket 91, outer conductor 92, dielectric 93, and inner conductor 94.End 95 of cable 90 is stripped of outer jacket 91, exposing outerconductor 92. End 95 is inserted into receiving area 178 through opening179 in cap 171. Cap 171 is pressed onto and over end 95. Concurrently,an unstripped portion of cable 90 is received in counter bore 182sealing upper end 175 of continuous sidewall 172 around the outer jacket91, inner surface 174 frictionally engages outer conductor 92 of cable90 end 95, outer conductor 92 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contactsouter contact 81, and inner conductor 94 of cable 90 end 95 electricallycontacts inner contact 80 terminating cable 90 end 95 with terminationassembly 70. In FIG. 19, cap 171 encloses end 95 so as to protect end 95from environmental influences.

In FIG. 20, cable 100 includes outer jacket 101, outer conductor 102,dielectric 103, and inner conductor 104. End 105 of cable 100 isstripped of outer jacket 101, exposing outer conductor 102. End 105 isinserted into receiving area 178 through opening 179 in cap 171. Cap 171is pressed onto and over end 105. Concurrently, an unstripped portion ofcable 100 is received in counter bore 182 sealing upper end 175 ofcontinuous sidewall 172 around the outer jacket 101, inner surface 174frictionally engages outer conductor 102 of cable 100 end 105, outerconductor 102 of cable 100 end 105 electrically contacts outer contact81, and inner conductor 104 of cable 100 end 105 electrically contactsinner contact 80, terminating cable 100 end 105 with terminationassembly 70. In FIG. 20, cap 171 encloses end 105 so as to protect end105 from environmental influences.

In FIG. 21, cable 110 includes outer jacket 111, outer conductor 112,dielectric 113, and inner conductor 114. End 115 of cable 110 isstripped of outer jacket 111, exposing outer conductor 112. End 115 isinserted into receiving area 178 through opening 179 in cap 171. Cap 171is pressed onto and over end 115. Concurrently, an unstripped portion ofcable 110 is received in counter bore 182 sealing upper end 175 ofcontinuous sidewall 172 around the outer jacket 111, inner surface 174frictionally engages outer conductor 112 of cable 110 end 115, outerconductor 112 of cable 110 end 115 electrically contacts outer contact81, and inner conductor 114 of cable 110 end 115 encircles andelectrically contacts inner contact 80, terminating cable 110 end 115with termination assembly 70. In FIG. 21, cap 171 encloses end 115 so asto protect end 115 from environmental influences.

In FIG. 22, cable 120 includes outer jacket 121, outer conductor 122,dielectric 123, and inner conductor 124. End 125 of cable 120 isstripped of outer jacket 121, exposing outer conductor 122. End 125 isinserted into receiving area 178 through opening 179 in cap 171. Cap 171is pressed onto and over end 125. Concurrently, an unstripped portion ofcable 120 is received in counter bore 182 sealing upper end 175 ofcontinuous sidewall 172 around the outer jacket 121, inner surface 174frictionally engages outer conductor 122 of cable 120 end 125, outerconductor 122 of cable 120 end 125 electrically contacts outer contact81, and inner conductor 124 of cable 120 end 125 encircles andelectrically contacts inner contact 80, terminating cable 120 end 125with termination assembly 70. In FIG. 22, cap 171 encloses end 125 so asto protect end 125 from environmental influences.

D.

FIG. 23 is an exploded isometric view of a further embodiment of acoaxial cable terminator 190 constructed and arranged in accordance withthe principle of the invention, and FIG. 24 is a section view of theembodiment of FIG. 23 shown as it would appear assembled. Terminator 190is an assembly and includes cap 171 discussed above, terminationassembly 150 discussed above, and inner and outer contacts 80 and 81.Cap 171 has continuous sidewall 172, outer surface 173, inner surface174, upper end 175, lower end 176, bottom 177, inner surface 177A,receiving area 178, opening 179, counter bore 182, and recess 184 ininner surface 177A of bottom 177 for accommodating resistors of a PCBtermination assembly, such as termination assembly 150 discussed above.Termination assembly 150 is positioned in receiving area 178 and isinstalled onto inner surface 177A of bottom 177 as discussed above interminator 130. Resistors 158 are located in recess 184.

FIGS. 25-28 are section views corresponding to FIG. 24 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator 190. In FIG. 25, cable 90 includes outerjacket 91, outer conductor 92, dielectric 93, and inner conductor 94.End 95 of cable 90 is stripped of outer jacket 91, exposing outerconductor 92. End 95 is inserted into receiving area 178 through opening179 in cap 171. Cap 171 is pressed onto and over end 95. Concurrently,an unstripped portion of cable 90 is received in counter bore 182sealing upper end 175 of continuous sidewall 172 around the outer jacket91, inner surface 174 frictionally engages outer conductor 92 of cable90 end 95, outer conductor 92 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contactsouter contact 81, and inner conductor 94 of cable 90 end 95 electricallycontacts inner contact 80 terminating cable 90 end 95 with terminationassembly 150. In FIG. 25, cap 171 encloses end 95 so as to protect end95 from environmental influences.

In FIG. 26, cable 100 includes outer jacket 101, outer conductor 102,dielectric 103, and inner conductor 104. End 105 of cable 100 isstripped of outer jacket 101, exposing outer conductor 102. End 105 isinserted into receiving area 178 through opening 179 in cap 171. Cap 171is pressed onto and over end 105. Concurrently, an unstripped portion ofcable 100 is received in counter bore 182 sealing upper end 175 ofcontinuous sidewall 172 around the outer jacket 101, inner surface 174frictionally engages outer conductor 102 of cable 100 end 105, outerconductor 102 of cable 100 end 105 electrically contacts outer contact81, and inner conductor 104 of cable 100 end 105 electrically contactsinner contact 80, terminating cable 100 end 105 with terminationassembly 150. In FIG. 26, cap 171 encloses end 105 so as to protect end105 from environmental influences.

In FIG. 27, cable 110 includes outer jacket 111, outer conductor 112,dielectric 113, and inner conductor 114. End 115 of cable 110 isstripped of outer jacket 111, exposing outer conductor 112. End 115 isinserted into receiving area 178 through opening 179 in cap 171. Cap 171is pressed onto and over end 115. Concurrently, an unstripped portion ofcable 110 is received in counter bore 182 sealing upper end 175 ofcontinuous sidewall 172 around the outer jacket 111, inner surface 174frictionally engages outer conductor 112 of cable 110 end 115, outerconductor 112 of cable 110 end 115 electrically contacts outer contact81, and inner conductor 114 of cable 110 end 115 encircles andelectrically contacts inner contact 80, terminating cable 110 end 115with termination assembly 150. In FIG. 27, cap 171 encloses end 115 soas to protect end 115 from environmental influences.

In FIG. 28, cable 120 includes outer jacket 121, outer conductor 122,dielectric 123, and inner conductor 124. End 125 of cable 120 isstripped of outer jacket 121, exposing outer conductor 122. End 125 isinserted into receiving area 178 through opening 179 in cap 171. Cap 171is pressed onto and over end 125. Concurrently, an unstripped portion ofcable 120 is received in counter bore 182 sealing upper end 175 ofcontinuous sidewall 172 around the outer jacket 121, inner surface 174frictionally engages outer conductor 122 of cable 120 end 125, outerconductor 122 of cable 120 end 125 electrically contacts outer contact81, and inner conductor 124 of cable 120 end 125 encircles andelectrically contacts inner contact 80, terminating cable 120 end 125with termination assembly 150. In FIG. 28, cap 171 encloses end 125 soas to protect end 125 from environmental influences.

E.

FIG. 29 is an exploded isometric view of a yet another embodiment of acoaxial cable terminator 200 constructed and arranged in accordance withthe principle of the invention, FIG. 30 is a top plan view showing theembodiment of FIG. 29 as it would appear assembled, and FIG. 31 is asection view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30. Referring to FIGS. 29-31in relevant part, terminator 200 is an assembly and includes cap 201,inner contact 80, and outer contact 81. Cap 201, formed of anelectrically conductive and resistive plastic or other like or similarmaterial or combination of materials, includes continuous sidewall 202having outer surface 203, inner surface 204, upper end 205, lower end206, and a bottom 207 affixed to lower end 206. In FIG. 31, innersurface 207A of bottom 207 cooperates with inner surface 204 ofcontinuous sidewall 202 to form receiving area 208 in cap 201. Upper end205 encircles opening 209 to receiving area 208. In FIG. 31, the size ofrecess 210 in inner service 207A of bottom 207, specifically the widthand depth of recess 210, is chosen to set the resistivity between innercontact 80 and outer contact 81. The size of recess 210 can be adjustedto adjust the desired resistivity between inner contact 80 and outercontact 81. Inner and outer contacts 80 and 81 are located in receivingarea and are installed onto inner surface 207A of bottom 207, such aswith a conductive adhesive. Outer contact 81 runs in juxtaposition alonginner surface 204 of continuous sidewall 202 and encircles inner contact80, and inner and outer contacts 80 and 81 are arranged about thegeometric center of cap 201. Inner and outer contacts 80 and 81electrically contact inner surface 207A of bottom 207 of cap 201. Theinherent electrically conductive and resistive characteristics of thesubstance of cap 201 material cause cap 201 to electrically andresistively connect inner contact 80 to outer contact 81. Cap 201 is thetermination device of terminator 200. Cap 201 is formed integrally, iscylindrical in this example, and is symmetrical about its central axis.

FIGS. 32-35 are section views corresponding to FIG. 29 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator 200. In FIG. 32, cable 90 includes outerjacket 91, outer conductor 92, dielectric 93, and inner conductor 94.End 95 of cable 90 is not stripped of outer jacket 91. End 95 isinserted into receiving area 208 through opening 209 in cap 201. Cap 201is pressed onto and over end 95. Concurrently, inner surface 204frictionally engages outer jacket 91 of cable 90 end 95, outer conductor92 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contacts outer contact 81, and innerconductor 94 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contacts inner contact 80.The electrically conductive and resistive quality of the substance ofcap 201 material electrically and resistively connects inner contact toouter contact 81 thereby electrically and resistively connecting outerconductor 92 to inner conductor 94, terminating cable 90 end 95.

In FIG. 33, cable 100 includes outer jacket 101, outer conductor 102,dielectric 103, and inner conductor 104. End 105 of cable 100 is notstripped of outer jacket 101. End 105 is inserted into receiving area208 through opening 209 in cap 201. Cap 201 is pressed onto and over end105. Concurrently, inner surface 204 frictionally engages outer jacket101 of cable 100 end 105, outer conductor 102 of cable 100 end 105electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 104 of cable100 end 105 electrically contacts inner contact 80, terminating cable100 end 105.

In FIG. 34, cable 110 includes outer jacket 111, outer conductor 112,dielectric 113, and inner conductor 114. End 115 of cable 110 is notstripped of outer jacket 111. End 115 is inserted into receiving area208 through opening 209 in cap 201. Cap 201 is pressed onto and over end115. Concurrently, inner surface 204 frictionally engages outer jacket111 of cable 110 end 115, outer conductor 112 of cable 110 end 115electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 114 of cable110 end 115 encircles and electrically contacts inner contact 80,terminating cable 110 end 115.

In FIG. 35, cable 120 includes outer jacket 121, outer conductor 122,dielectric 123, and inner conductor 124. End 125 of cable 120 is notstripped of outer jacket 121. End 125 is inserted into receiving area208 through opening 209 in cap 201. Cap 201 is pressed onto and over end125. Concurrently, inner surface 204 frictionally engages outer jacket121 of cable 120 end 125, outer conductor 122 of cable 120 end 125electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 124 of cable120 end 125 encircles and electrically contacts inner contact 80,terminating cable 120 end 125.

F.

FIG. 36 is an exploded isometric view of yet still a further embodimentof a coaxial cable terminator 220 constructed and arranged in accordancewith the principle of the invention, and FIG. 37 is a section view ofthe embodiment of FIG. 36 shown as it would appear assembled. Referringto FIGS. 36 and 37 in relevant part, terminator 220 is an assembly andincludes cap 221, termination assembly 70, inner contact 80, and outercontact 81. Cap 221, formed of plastic, ceramic, or other non-conductivematerial or combination of materials, includes continuous sidewall 222having outer surface 223, inner surface 224, upper end 225, lower end226, and a bottom 227 affixed to lower end 226. In FIG. 37, innersurface 227A of bottom 227 cooperates with inner surface 224 ofcontinuous sidewall 222 to form receiving area 228 in cap 221. Upper end225 encircles opening 229 to receiving area 228. Recessed pocket 232 isformed centrally into inner surface 227A of bottom 227, and from thererecess 234 is formed in bottom 227 for accommodating resistors of a PCBtermination assembly, such as termination assembly 150 discussed above.Termination assembly 70 is positioned in receiving area 228 as discussedabove in terminator 50, but in this embodiment is positioned in recessedpocket 232 and secured in recessed pocket 232 with a non-conductiveadhesive, and a friction fit can be used in an alternate embodiment. Cap221 is formed integrally, is cylindrical in this example, and issymmetrical about its central axis.

FIGS. 38-41 are section views corresponding to FIG. 37 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator 220. In FIG. 38, cable 90 includes outerjacket 91, outer conductor 92, dielectric 93, and inner conductor 94.End 95 of cable 90 is not stripped of outer jacket 91. End 95 isinserted into receiving area 228 through opening 229 in cap 221. Cap 221is pressed onto and over end 95. Concurrently, inner surface 224frictionally engages outer jacket 91 of cable 90 end 95, outer conductor92 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contacts outer contact 81, and innerconductor 94 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contacts inner contact 80terminating cable 90 end 95 with termination assembly 70.

In FIG. 39, cable 100 includes outer jacket 101, outer conductor 102,dielectric 103, and inner conductor 104. End 105 of cable 100 is notstripped of outer jacket 101. End 105 is inserted into receiving area228 through opening 229 in cap 221. Cap 221 is pressed onto and over end105. Concurrently, inner surface 224 frictionally engages outer jacket91 of cable 100 end 105, outer conductor 102 of cable 100 end 105electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 104 of cable100 end 105 electrically contacts inner contact 80, terminating cable100 end 105 with termination assembly 70.

In FIG. 40, cable 110 includes outer jacket 111, outer conductor 112,dielectric 113, and inner conductor 114. End 115 of cable 110 is notstripped of outer jacket 111. End 115 is inserted into receiving area228 through opening 229 in cap 221. Cap 221 is pressed onto and over end115. Concurrently, inner surface 224 frictionally engages outer jacket111 of cable 110 end 115, outer conductor 112 of cable 110 end 115electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 114 of cable110 end 115 encircles and electrically contacts inner contact 80,terminating cable 110 end 115 with termination assembly 70.

In FIG. 41, cable 120 includes outer jacket 121, outer conductor 122,dielectric 123, and inner conductor 124. End 125 of cable 120 is notstripped of outer jacket 121. End 125 is inserted into receiving area228 through opening 229 in cap 221. Cap 221 is pressed onto and over end125. Concurrently, inner surface 224 frictionally engages outer jacket121 of cable 120 end 125, outer conductor 122 of cable 120 end 125electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 124 of cable120 end 125 encircles and electrically contacts inner contact 80,terminating cable 120 end 125 with termination assembly 70.

G.

FIG. 42 is an exploded isometric view of a still another embodiment of acoaxial cable terminator 240 constructed and arranged in accordance withthe principle of the invention, and FIG. 43 is a section view of theembodiment of FIG. 42 shown as it would appear assembled. Terminator 240is an assembly and includes cap 221 discussed above, terminationassembly 150 discussed above, and inner and outer contacts 80 and 81.Cap 221 has continuous sidewall 222, outer surface 223, inner surface224, upper end 225, lower end 226, bottom 227, inner surface 227A,receiving area 228, opening 229, recessed pocket 232 in inner surface227A of bottom 227, and recess 234. Termination assembly 150 ispositioned in receiving area 228 and is installed onto recessed pocket232 above recess 234. Resistors 158 are located in recess 234.

FIGS. 44-47 are section views corresponding to FIG. 43 illustratingdifferent configurations of coaxial cables shown as they would appearterminated with the terminator 240. In FIG. 44, cable 90 includes outerjacket 91, outer conductor 92, dielectric 93, and inner conductor 94.End 95 of cable 90 is not stripped of outer jacket 91. End 95 isinserted into receiving area 228 through opening 229 in cap 221. Cap 221is pressed onto and over end 95. Concurrently, inner surface 224frictionally engages outer jacket 91 of cable 90 end 95, outer conductor92 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contacts outer contact 81, and innerconductor 94 of cable 90 end 95 electrically contacts inner contact 80terminating cable 90 end 95 with termination assembly 150.

In FIG. 45, cable 100 includes outer jacket 101, outer conductor 102,dielectric 103, and inner conductor 104. End 105 of cable 100 is notstripped of outer jacket 101. End 105 is inserted into receiving area228 through opening 229 in cap 221. Cap 221 is pressed onto and over end105. Concurrently, inner surface 224 frictionally engages outer jacket101 of cable 100 end 105, outer conductor 102 of cable 100 end 105electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 104 of cable100 end 105 electrically contacts inner contact 80, terminating cable100 end 105 with termination assembly 150.

In FIG. 46, cable 110 includes outer jacket 111, outer conductor 112,dielectric 113, and inner conductor 114. End 115 of cable 110 is notstripped of outer jacket 111. End 115 is inserted into receiving area228 through opening 229 in cap 221. Cap 221 is pressed onto and over end115. Concurrently, inner surface 224 frictionally engages outer jacket111 of cable 110 end 115, outer conductor 112 of cable 110 end 115electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 114 of cable110 end 115 encircles and electrically contacts inner contact 80,terminating cable 110 end 115 with termination assembly 150.

In FIG. 47, cable 120 includes outer jacket 121, outer conductor 122,dielectric 123, and inner conductor 124. End 125 of cable 120 is notstripped of outer jacket 121. End 125 is inserted into receiving area228 through opening 229 in cap 221. Cap 221 is pressed onto and over end125. Concurrently, inner surface 224 frictionally engages outer jacket121 of cable 120 end 125, outer conductor 122 of cable 120 end 125electrically contacts outer contact 81, and inner conductor 124 of cable120 end 125 encircles and electrically contacts inner contact 80,terminating cable 120 end 125 with termination assembly 150.

The present invention is described above with reference to illustrativeembodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges and modifications may be made in the described embodimentswithout departing from the nature and scope of the present invention.Various further changes and modifications to the embodiment hereinchosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilledin the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do notdepart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to beincluded within the scope thereof.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms asto enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same,the invention claimed is: 1-14. (canceled)
 15. A coaxial cableterminator assembly, comprising: a cap, the cap is non-conductive anddefines a receiving area adapted to receive an end of a coaxial cable; asubstrate, the substrate is electrically insulative, is carried by thecap in the receiving area, and has outer and inner terminationconnections and an electrically resistive film, the electricallyresistive film electrically connects the outer termination connection tothe inner termination connection; outer and inner contacts electricallyconnected to the outer and inner termination connections, respectively;and the outer and inner contacts are for electrically contacting coaxialouter and inner conductors, respectively, of the end of the coaxialcable for terminating the end of the coaxial cable, and the cap is forfrictionally and non-conductively engaging the coaxial cable, when theend of the coaxial cable is inserted into the receiving area.
 16. Thecoaxial cable terminator assembly according to claim 15, furthercomprising: a pocket formed in the cap; and the substrate is applied tothe pocket.
 17. The coaxial cable termination assembly according toclaim 15, wherein the substrate includes an outer surface facing thereceiving area, and the outer and inner termination connections and theelectrically resistive film are applied to the outer surface of thesubstrate.
 18. The coaxial cable termination assembly according to claim15, wherein the outer and inner termination connections are coaxial. 19.The coaxial cable termination assembly according to claim 18, whereinthe outer and inner contacts are coaxial.
 20. A coaxial cable terminatorassembly, comprising: a cap, the cap is non-conductive and includes acontinuous sidewall having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upperend, a lower end, and a bottom affixed to the lower end, the bottomcooperates with the inner surface of the continuous sidewall to form areceiving area in the cap, the upper end encircles an opening to thereceiving area, and the receiving area is adapted to receive an end of acoaxial cable inserted into the receiving area through the opening; asubstrate, the substrate is electrically insulative, is carried by thebottom of the cap in the receiving area, and has outer and innertermination connections and an electrically resistive film, theelectrically resistive film electrically connects the outer terminationconnection to the inner termination connection; outer and inner contactselectrically connected to the outer and inner termination connections,respectively; and the outer and inner contacts are for electricallycontacting coaxial outer and inner conductors, respectively, of the endof the coaxial cable for terminating the end of the coaxial cable, andthe inner surface of the cap is for frictionally and non-conductivelyengaging the coaxial cable, when the end of the coaxial cable isinserted into the receiving area through the opening.
 21. The coaxialcable terminator assembly according to claim 20, further comprising: apocket formed in the bottom of the cap; and the substrate is applied tothe pocket.
 22. The coaxial cable termination assembly according toclaim 20, further comprising: the substrate includes an outer surfacefacing the receiving area and a perimeter edge proximate to the innersurface of the continuous sidewall; the outer termination connection isapplied to the outer surface of the substrate proximate to the perimeteredge; the inner termination connection is applied centrally to the outersurface of the substrate; and the electrically resistive film is appliedto the outer surface of the substrate between the outer terminationconnection and the inner termination connection.
 23. The coaxial cabletermination assembly according to claim 20, wherein the outer and innertermination connections are coaxial.
 24. The coaxial cable terminationassembly according to claim 23, wherein the outer and inner contacts arecoaxial.